28 March 2024, Thursday, 21:26
Support
the website
Sim Sim,
Charter 97!
Categories

Martin Uggla: I am ashamed if Sweden has something to do with ban on flag

Martin Uggla: I am ashamed if Sweden has something to do with ban on flag

The leader of a human rights organization Östgruppen Martin Uggla believes that the International Ice Hockey Federation confuses sports with politics.

He stated that to the charter97.org web-site when commenting on the ban on the use of a white-red-white flag at the games of the World Championship, which is taking place in Stockholm.

“A Belarusian national flag on the stands does not violate Swedish laws. The decision on its ban was taken by the International Ice Hockey Federation. They called it a political symbol. It is not true, because unlike the red-green flag, it is the national symbol of Belarusians. We all remember that the referendum in 1995, as a result of which it was banned, was held with manipulations and violations”, - Martin Uggla said.

The human rights activist is convinced that functionaries from the International Ice Hockey Federation contradict to their own claims that they do not want to mix sports with politics.

“The IIHF confused sports and politics. It also refers to the decision to ban the flag at the games in Stockholm. Sports tournaments are first of all political events for Lukashenka. And he does not want for the flags banned by him to be present there. And IIHF officials simply do not understand the issue and support the dictatorial regime.

It is also valid for the World Championship, scheduled to be held in Minsk next year. Lukashenka needs legitimization. He uses by-pass routes to obtain it, for example cultural and sporting events.

The IIHF fights wrong people. It should oppose the dictatorial regime, not Belarusians with their national flags”, - Martin Uggla stated.

The human rights activist does not rule out that a similar situation may arise at other international events, for example during the Eurovision in Malmo this year.

“I am ashamed it the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation or officials have something to do with the ban on the use of Belarusian national symbols. We will protest against such actions”, - he said.

We would remind that Belarusians were removed from the stadium with their arms twisted for an attempt to raise white-red-white flags. The guards did not allow to unroll a big flag at the Belarus-Slovenia game in Sweden, referring to safety measures.

Write your comment

Follow Charter97.org social media accounts